Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Star4.33
40 reviews
Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Quick Facts

Price

$160/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
from $160.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Source lists sites starting at $160 per night.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 856-4411

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 40 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationsites

Some mention

crowded

"Reviews portray Rainbow Bend as a quiet, scenic, family-friendly riverside campground favored by paddlers and anglers. Campers consistently note its rustic character—vault toilets, a water pump, fire rings and picnic tables—and say it is not RV-oriented."

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Fees & Passes at Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

From $160/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.



About Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Tucked along a picturesque bend of the Au Sable River, Rainbow Bend offers paddlers and anglers an intimate escape into Michigan's northwoods. This rustic riverside retreat sits about 15 miles east of Grayling in Crawford County, where the focus is on simplicity: basic amenities, vault toilets, and direct access to one of the region's most beloved waterways.
A small, rustic tent campground with paddle-in river sites and a canoe group-use area. First-come, first-served; limited facilities.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle sound of the Au Sable flowing past your tent, sunlight filtering through a canopy of mature hardwoods and pines. The river here runs clear over sand and gravel, its low wooded banks creating secluded pockets perfect for casting a line or launching a kayak. Brown, brook, and rainbow trout patrol these waters, making every bend a possibility. Your campsite feels like your own private riverside sanctuary, surrounded by forest and serenaded by moving water.
Geological RegionAu Sable River corridor in Crawford County (northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan).
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Campsite details

Total Campsites10 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primary uses are paddling/canoeing and trout fishing on the Au Sable River; the site also provides access to surrounding state land where hunting is allowed. The campground is oriented toward river access and paddle-in use.
Fishing
Brown, brook and rainbow trout are caught in the Au Sable River; river fishing access is available directly from the campground.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Fire rings present at sites; follow posted fire regulations and campground rules.

Hazards

General hazardsRiver hazards — be mindful of high-water conditions and river currents. Remote/rustic setting with limited services; potential for increased river traffic/noise during peak season.

Weather at Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

11
°F
Dec 13
Saturday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 13.7 mph
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Good to know

Common complaintsLimited facilities (primitive vault toilet(s), no sinks/showers, no electric or hookups) and limited capacity can make the site less suitable for RVs; can get crowded on holiday weekends according to some reviewers.

Campground Map

Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
Driving directionsAbout 15 miles east of Grayling via M-72, McMasters Bridge and Conners Flat.
Accessible via M-72; expect basic forest-road access to the campground.
Nearby places
Grayling — approx. 15 miles
Nearby supplies
Grayling (approx. 15 miles)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3
40 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews portray Rainbow Bend as a quiet, scenic, family-friendly riverside campground favored by paddlers and anglers. Campers consistently note its rustic character—vault toilets, a water pump, fire rings and picnic tables—and say it is not RV-oriented.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Riverside location on the Au Sable River, good trout fishing, easy canoe/paddle access, secluded wooded sites, clean vault toilets and large fire pits/picnic tables.
Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive prepared with food, supplies and firewood as needed, expect first-come, first-served camping, bring lanterns/flashlights (no electricity), and plan for river conditions if paddling....
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Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

Was able to camp right next to the river when we were kayaking.; Legit. Vault toilets and access to the river. I would say not rv friendly.; Sites are spread out. Good size fire pits. Water pump on...
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Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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